I don't really understand the logic of the transponder knob... Why not integrate it in the RTU?

 

I actually like it there myself. I'm on the E-145 now, and I dislike the transponder in that. It's ridiculous, cycling through the different options, while the CRJ handles TA/RA modes automatically - all you have to do is turn the thing to 1 or 2. I think it makes much more sense.

 

As long as they aren't in a CR2... I've flown with some very senior pilots, and have yet to have a smooth landing in one of those birds. Everytime, its a very FiRm landing. (I think lack of a good wing/slats/flaps may have more to do with that).

 

It is a VERY easy plane to grease on.

Ground effect from low to the ground wing, trailing link gear....

 

***?

The CRJ-200 is one of the sweetest landing planes I've flown....low wing, trailing link gear (as mentioned). It's EASY to roll it on...maybe it feels different in the back or something.

 

It would be nice if they had a cooler in the cockpit, really sick of the beer getting warm.
The airline could really cut back on turn times if they installed a "Wheel of Death" machine, where you can purchase 9 week old tuna sandwiches.

 

The biggest problem I have with the CRJ layout specifically, and this a right seat problem.... I'm constantly reaching across for the FMS, and god forbid the capt is hand flying, hands on thrust, when I'm trying to put something in the FMS..... I'd much rather have the FMS where the RTU is, because I can do just about everything the RTU can do with the FMS, but I can't do everything the FMS can do with the RTU. Also the EMB145 (still speaking FO here) has a PTT on the upper right side so you can answer a radio call with your right hand and change the ALT, HDG, etc with your left. Yes it can be done in the CRJ but you have to use the one on the yoke and a lot of people don't like you touching that if they're hand flying at the time. Plus I don't really like the 'pull down' type switch they have installed. The other layout problem i've heard about, but thankfully never had to deal with. The manual gear extension is supposedly hard to get leverage on. I've heard stories of folks having to stand in the flight deck to get enough strength to pull it. Never tried it myself in the plane though. (knocks on wood)

 

Oh yes. I don't know what that guy was talking about. He must have meant the 7/9 (which is MUCH MUCH less forgiving than the 200). The 200 is hard to have a bad landing in. If you do have a bad landing, you've really messed up! haha

 

...because we all know "seniority" directly relates to flying skill

 

On the CRJ, you just have to criss cross yourself a little. Use the PTT switch on the RTU with your left hand, and reach over with your right hand to change the ALT, HDG, etc. knobs on the MCP. You have to be somewhat flexible, but I've done it before. In fact, when I'm the PNF I almost always use the PTT switch on the RTU versus the one on the yoke.